Abstract: The present invention is directed to the production and use of custom tailored, bacterial enzyme mixtures or components thereof for degrading biofilms in both industrial and therapeutic applications. The industrial applications include but are not limited to the use biofilm-degrading, multiple specificity, hydrolytic enzyme mixtures for removing or preventing the formation of biofilms in water cooling towers, industrial process piping, heat exchangers, in food processing or food preparation, in potable water systems, reservoirs, swimming pools, or related sanitary water systems, and on membranes such as those used for desalinization, industrial processes, or related applications.

Abstract: The present invention provides the isolated genes encoding marine melA from the genus Shewanella, especially from the species S. colwelliana, and the MelA encoded thereby in homogeneous form. Further, the invention provides antibodies to marine MelA as well as methods of using the MelA to induce oyster larval settlement. Moreover, these marine melA genes are also useful as selectable markers for genetic engineering.

Abstract: Novel thermostable alkaline metalloprotease produced by Hyphomonas which is stabile under conditions of elevated pH. Also included are a method for its production, and compositions containing the metalloprotease useful for degrading proteinaceous materials.

Abstract: We have developed methods for low-cost fermentation of marine bacteria. A cost- and performance-optimized culture medium containing liver digest and suitable salts was developed and compared to currently available culture media. Cell counts as high as 10.sup.2 /ml were achieved, and growth was supported for a variety of marine strains tested to date. Large scale fermentation of marine bacteria is a promising approach for producing commercially valuable biopolymers for industrial applications.

Abstract: The present invention provides the isolated genes encoding marine melA from the genus Shewanella, especially from the species S. colwelliana, and the melA encoded thereby in homogeneous form. Further, the invention provides antibodies to marine melA as well as methods of using the melA to induce oyster larval settlement. Moreover, these marine melA genes are also useful as selectable markers for genetic engineering.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the discovery of a new bacteria of the genus Alteromonas which has been found to attract oyster larvae by the production of compounds involved in melanin synthesis. More specifically, the present invention contemplates a method for inducing the settlement and metamorphosis of Crassostrea virginica larvae by induction with certain metabolic substances produced by the present bacteria and its altered variants. Furthermore, the present invention is directed to other and derivative metabolic products which can be employed for their desired utility and application. In accordance with the present invention, it has been discovered that ammonia (NH.sub.3) initiates settlement and metamorphosis of the oyster larvae in the same manner as the natural phenomena.

Abstract: This invention relates to an agarase enzyme system purified from bacterial strain 2-40, which has a high level of activity for the depolymerization of complex polysaccharides, including agar and agarose. Further, the invention relates to methods of purifying, defining, characterizing and assaying the agarase enzyme system and the encoding gene(s). Finally, the invention relates to methods of using the purified agarase enzyme system.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the discovery of a new bacteria of the genus Alteromonas which has been found to attract oyster larvae by the production of compounds involved in melanin synthesis. More specifically, the present invention contemplates a method for inducing the settlement and metamorphosis of Crassostrea virginica larvae by induction with certain metabolic substances produced by the present bacteria and its altered variants. Furthermore, the present invention is directed to other and derivative metabolic products which can be employed for their desired utility and application. In accordance with the present invention, it has been discovered that ammonia (NH.sub.3) initiates settlement and metamorphosis of the oyster larvae in the same manner as the natural phenomena.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the discovery of a new bacteria of the genus Alteromonas which has been found to attract oyster larvae by the production of compounds involved in melanin synthesis. More specifically, the present invention contemplates a method for inducing the settlement and metamorphosis of Crassostrea virginica larvae by induction with certain metabolic substances produced by the present bacteria and its altered variants. Furthermore, the present invention is directed to other and derivative metabolic products which can be employed for their desired utility and application. In accordance with the present invention, it has been discovered that ammonia (NH.sub.3) initiates settlement and metamorphosis of the oyster larvae in the same manner as the natural phenomena.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the discovery of a new bacterium, alteromonas calwellii, which has been found to attract oyster larvae by the production of a compound involved in melanin synthesis. More specifically, the present invention contemplates a method for inducing the settlement and metamorphosis of Crassostrea virginica larvae by induction with certain metabolic substances produced by the present bacterium and its mutagenically altered variants. Furthermore, the present invention is directed to other and derivative metabolic products which can be employed for their desired utility and application.